EXPANSION plans for Durham Tees Valley Airport has cleared its first planning hurdle.

Stockton councillors unanimously backed the £56m plans to develop the site, which will bring traveller capacity up to 3m a year.

The planning committee heard that airport bosses were in discussions with Network Rail to make Dinsdale station the main rail connection to the airport.

Bus companies were trying to arrange a permanent route to the airport, which at the moment has limited public transport access.

Stockton's agreement is now passed to Darlington Borough Council, part of whose are also lies on the boundary of the airport, for overall approval.

Concern about aircraft noise were addressed at the meeting, with residents under the direct flight path worried about night flights after the expansion.

Speaking about the application in general, Hugh Lang, managing director of the airport, said: "We seem to be playing catch-up, with other airports in the area already implementing their investment and expansions. This is our turn to have an airport to compliment the Tees Valley."

The application details an extended and refurbished terminal building, with improved baggage handling and check in facilities, lounges, office space, as well as retail and restaurant facilities.

New additions to the 213-hectare site include a cargo and maintenance village, nine aircraft parking stands and 4,500 car parking spaces.

A second part of the plans was also agreed and goes to Darlington councillors for approval. This is for an 18,600sq metre business park with a 100-bed hotel, pub and restaurant.

Committee members in Stockton were overwhelmingly supportive of the plans, but were mindful to comment on upgrades to transport links.

Airport technical chiefs said an announcement on works to start on the Long Newton junction of the A66 is expected in the spring. This will see an accident blackspot improved significantly, with a positive impact on traffic flow to the airport.

Mr Lang said the plans would create up to 2,700 jobs and add £120m to the local economy.

The planning committee process will be repeated next week at Darlington Borough Council, where officers also recommend approval.